Three Keys to Victory: Cowboys vs. Vikings
The Cowboys are in a crucial phase of the season, with their playoff hopes resting on their own shoulders. With a 6-6-1 record, they're in a tough spot, especially with the top wildcard teams boasting at least nine wins. However, a division win remains a realistic goal if they can avoid a collapse from the top teams.
The first challenge is the Minnesota Vikings, who just shut out the Washington Commanders. To secure a win, the Cowboys must focus on these three key areas:
Stop Aaron Jones' Hot Streak: Aaron Jones has dominated the Cowboys with 122 rushing yards and two touchdowns per game in three regular-season and one postseason game. The Cowboys' defense must step up to halt his 100+ yard game streak. Dallas' front has been strong against the run, but they need to improve their defense against the outside, as evidenced by the Lions' success last week.
Capitalize on Turnover Opportunities: The Vikings' rookie QB, J.J. McCarthy, has struggled with accuracy, throwing ten interceptions to just nine touchdowns in seven games. His -6.2% completion percentage over expected is the second-worst in the NFL. The Cowboys can exploit this by forcing McCarthy to pass and making him uncomfortable, especially since he struggles against zone coverage.
Beat the Blitz: Dak Prescott has excelled in his best season, quickly disposing of the blitz. His preparation during the week allows him to react swiftly on Sundays. Prescott leads the NFL in passing yards against the blitz (1,1123) and has a high completion percentage (68.3%). However, the Vikings' blitz rate (49.2%) and pressure rate (40%) are the highest in the NFL, so Prescott must be precise with his offensive line and pass protection assignments.
The Cowboys have a chance to improve their turnover margin and secure a win against the Vikings. With these three keys in mind, they can make a strong case for their playoff hopes.
